In my opinion, every DA club should have the option to have a Pilot Team "IF" they are using it to roster the "majority" of their 03 current Da players. Isn't this the only "reason & purpose" for the creation of "03 Pilot"? If a Club uses it for any other reason they shouldn't be entitled to have a Pilot Team. Someone should have placed "boundaries" around Pilot and said something like "80% of the current 03 Da Team must be rostered on the Pilot Team", if not, there is no need for a Pilot Team on that particular club. Do we know for certain that every Pilot Team will have the majority 03 current Da players? If so great, Pilot will be competitive and successful and maybe other age groups will follow suit in the future if the dual ages continue in Da.

The premise of your opinion is that the DPL serves a purpose for the DA and the Federation/DA Club should attempt to foster and ensure the competitiveness of the DPL. I can appreciate why a parent would think this, I can also appreciate why the DPL clubs/program would attempt to mislead parents into believing this ... (hint ... they want your $$$).

Please consider that the Federation has established a pyramid of player identification. The entire purpose of the DA to aid the federation in identifying the "unicorn" players (super-elite) and creating an environment where the super-elite and the elite players can play in a league. The super-elite (aka unicorns) are truly the only players the Federation really cares about. These girls are invited to the Youth National Camps and have D1 full-ride scholarship offers by their Freshman year. The other girls are necessary to support the clubs and league. The super-elite dominate their age group (U16) and are super-stars the age group ahead of them (U17) and can hold their own two ages up. These are the only girls/players the Federation has its eye on.

This is why the Federation has composite age groups. U16/U17, and U18/U19. It has absolutely no need to keep U16's that can't compete with U17's in the program. Composite groups allow the Federation to cull those kids from the program. The DPL is an affront to this and is tolerated by the Federation because on the girls side, there is no U13 or U12 level (yet).

Please also consider that for girls, virtually every player has gone through puberty and represents their genetic adult bodytype by 15 (U16). Boys are later. An 03 DPL team will be made up of girls that the Federation really has no interest in and no longer belong because if they did, they could easily win on spot on the composite 03/02 team.

Ultimately, the DPL is and never will be a DA program. Its simply "just another league" along with CSL, SCDSL, Presidio/SDDA, ECNL, NPL, National League, etc. However, because the DPL is "sold" as connected to the DA teams as the "farm system" its competitiveness is inconsequential. Placing boundaries around the DPL team would deviate from the DA's goals of culling players as they get older.

Accept the DPL for what it is ... just another league for the non-elite players and you will be much, much happier.

I have reflected upon my dd's experience with DPL and why I have been a proponent of it and have some thoughts to offer.

In hindsight, the only value I see to playing DPL over any other league is if you can position yourself to getting significant playing time in the DA in the future. Playing DA or ECNL is where you want to be due to the tremendous amount of college coaches that watch these teams play. If you dd has been place on a DPL team you better hope for one of two things. First, your new to the club and the coaches have not had a chance to fully evaluate your kid. You know they belong on the DA team and playing DPL will give them a chance to prove themselves. I have seen this play out in a very few cases. Second, your kids is an 03 and will be one of the top 3 or 4 players on the Pilot DPL team. Remember next year they will be competing for a spot with the 03's already on the DA, the top 04's currently playing DA that will make the team, and the rest of the 03's and 04's.

Also remember that there is a decent chance that the best player or two on your DPL team will get chance to at least DP if not get called up to the DA. This will weaken your DPL team. So if your kids is not one of the above players and you have a top Flight 1 or Premier team in your area I would recommend that path. DPL really only benefits the few unique kids that can use it as a path to substantial DA playing time.

I have reflected upon my dd's experience with DPL and why I have been a proponent of it and have some thoughts to offer.

In hindsight, the only value I see to playing DPL over any other league is if you can position yourself to getting significant playing time in the DA in the future. Playing DA or ECNL is where you want to be due to the tremendous amount of college coaches that watch these teams play. If you dd has been place on a DPL team you better hope for one of two things. First, your new to the club and the coaches have not had a chance to fully evaluate your kid. You know they belong on the DA team and playing DPL will give them a chance to prove themselves. I have seen this play out in a very few cases. Second, your kids is an 03 and will be one of the top 3 or 4 players on the Pilot DPL team. Remember next year they will be competing for a spot with the 03's already on the DA, the top 04's currently playing DA that will make the team, and the rest of the 03's and 04's.

Also remember that there is a decent chance that the best player or two on your DPL team will get chance to at least DP if not get called up to the DA. This will weaken your DPL team. So if your kids is not one of the above players and you have a top Flight 1 or Premier team in your area I would recommend that path. DPL really only benefits the few unique kids that can use it as a path to substantial DA playing time.

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These are valuable insights. Congratulations to your player. Good luck!

Speaking of DPL, I was impressed by Beach's U15 DPL team winning the National Cup Far West Regional last week. And Real So Cal's U16 DPL team made the semi's (losing on PKs to the eventual regional champion). Good showing.

Of course, So Cal teams in general did well. CDA Slammers FC HB 00 won their regional, as did Rebels 2001 Elite, Arsenal's U14's, and San Diego Surf 05 Academy Select. There were only 2 regional championships we didn't win: U16 and U19.

And this is all I was trying to say when Simi got snarky with me. Funny how the Kool Aide wears off.

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Hopefully, we all keep learning as we have new experiences. I am grateful that you care enough to share your thoughts and experiences even though your player has completed her club soccer career because they have helped me see things more clearly.

Speaking of DPL, I was impressed by Beach's U15 DPL team winning the National Cup Far West Regional last week. And Real So Cal's U16 DPL team made the semi's (losing on PKs to the eventual regional champion). Good showing.

Of course, So Cal teams in general did well. CDA Slammers FC HB 00 won their regional, as did Rebels 2001 Elite, Arsenal's U14's, and San Diego Surf 05 Academy Select. There were only 2 regional championships we didn't win: U16 and U19.

The premise of your opinion is that the DPL serves a purpose for the DA and the Federation/DA Club should attempt to foster and ensure the competitiveness of the DPL. I can appreciate why a parent would think this, I can also appreciate why the DPL clubs/program would attempt to mislead parents into believing this ... (hint ... they want your $$$).

Please consider that the Federation has established a pyramid of player identification. The entire purpose of the DA to aid the federation in identifying the "unicorn" players (super-elite) and creating an environment where the super-elite and the elite players can play in a league. The super-elite (aka unicorns) are truly the only players the Federation really cares about. These girls are invited to the Youth National Camps and have D1 full-ride scholarship offers by their Freshman year. The other girls are necessary to support the clubs and league. The super-elite dominate their age group (U16) and are super-stars the age group ahead of them (U17) and can hold their own two ages up. These are the only girls/players the Federation has its eye on.

This is why the Federation has composite age groups. U16/U17, and U18/U19. It has absolutely no need to keep U16's that can't compete with U17's in the program. Composite groups allow the Federation to cull those kids from the program. The DPL is an affront to this and is tolerated by the Federation because on the girls side, there is no U13 or U12 level (yet).

Please also consider that for girls, virtually every player has gone through puberty and represents their genetic adult bodytype by 15 (U16). Boys are later. An 03 DPL team will be made up of girls that the Federation really has no interest in and no longer belong because if they did, they could easily win on spot on the composite 03/02 team.

Ultimately, the DPL is and never will be a DA program. Its simply "just another league" along with CSL, SCDSL, Presidio/SDDA, ECNL, NPL, National League, etc. However, because the DPL is "sold" as connected to the DA teams as the "farm system" its competitiveness is inconsequential. Placing boundaries around the DPL team would deviate from the DA's goals of culling players as they get older.

Accept the DPL for what it is ... just another league for the non-elite players and you will be much, much happier.

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I am surprised to read this for you MWN, you are usually more pragmatic.

Only one year into it this DPL league sure seems to have raised some eyebrows and attracted a lot of attention and some resentment. There are clearly some people, seems especially in the IE who don’t like it and want to falsely project it to be a non-elite league. Funny thing is many of the people purporting this don’t even have players in the action any more.

Back in the past, it was much simpler and candidly better for our players. Top players played ECNL (which is still great) and could play HS without some idiots claiming they were lesser players for not giving that up and playing DA. That’s where we started until all this nonsense hit with DA, DPL, Et al..

The premise of your opinion is that the DPL serves a purpose for the DA and the Federation/DA Club should attempt to foster and ensure the competitiveness of the DPL. I can appreciate why a parent would think this, I can also appreciate why the DPL clubs/program would attempt to mislead parents into believing this ... (hint ... they want your $$$).

Please consider that the Federation has established a pyramid of player identification. The entire purpose of the DA to aid the federation in identifying the "unicorn" players (super-elite) and creating an environment where the super-elite and the elite players can play in a league. The super-elite (aka unicorns) are truly the only players the Federation really cares about. These girls are invited to the Youth National Camps and have D1 full-ride scholarship offers by their Freshman year. The other girls are necessary to support the clubs and league. The super-elite dominate their age group (U16) and are super-stars the age group ahead of them (U17) and can hold their own two ages up. These are the only girls/players the Federation has its eye on.

This is why the Federation has composite age groups. U16/U17, and U18/U19. It has absolutely no need to keep U16's that can't compete with U17's in the program. Composite groups allow the Federation to cull those kids from the program. The DPL is an affront to this and is tolerated by the Federation because on the girls side, there is no U13 or U12 level (yet).

Please also consider that for girls, virtually every player has gone through puberty and represents their genetic adult bodytype by 15 (U16). Boys are later. An 03 DPL team will be made up of girls that the Federation really has no interest in and no longer belong because if they did, they could easily win on spot on the composite 03/02 team.

Ultimately, the DPL is and never will be a DA program. Its simply "just another league" along with CSL, SCDSL, Presidio/SDDA, ECNL, NPL, National League, etc. However, because the DPL is "sold" as connected to the DA teams as the "farm system" its competitiveness is inconsequential. Placing boundaries around the DPL team would deviate from the DA's goals of culling players as they get older.

Accept the DPL for what it is ... just another league for the non-elite players and you will be much, much happier.

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Dude, are you saying that there is no Santa Claus? You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch.

I have reflected upon my dd's experience with DPL and why I have been a proponent of it and have some thoughts to offer.

In hindsight, the only value I see to playing DPL over any other league is if you can position yourself to getting significant playing time in the DA in the future. Playing DA or ECNL is where you want to be due to the tremendous amount of college coaches that watch these teams play. If you dd has been place on a DPL team you better hope for one of two things. First, your new to the club and the coaches have not had a chance to fully evaluate your kid. You know they belong on the DA team and playing DPL will give them a chance to prove themselves. I have seen this play out in a very few cases. Second, your kids is an 03 and will be one of the top 3 or 4 players on the Pilot DPL team. Remember next year they will be competing for a spot with the 03's already on the DA, the top 04's currently playing DA that will make the team, and the rest of the 03's and 04's.

Also remember that there is a decent chance that the best player or two on your DPL team will get chance to at least DP if not get called up to the DA. This will weaken your DPL team. So if your kids is not one of the above players and you have a top Flight 1 or Premier team in your area I would recommend that path. DPL really only benefits the few unique kids that can use it as a path to substantial DA playing time.

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Not hating on your kid's path, it's all good. But honestly, coaches know within 10 minutes if a kid can make the bar
and 2-3 tryouts will mostly confirm it. Watch which group they place the top players.
If your kid is rocking and rolling with them, good sign. If not, cautious sign. If not in the group or moved out, very bad sign.
Good luck.

Only one year into it this DPL league sure seems to have raised some eyebrows and attracted a lot of attention and some resentment. There are clearly some people, seems especially in the IE who don’t like it and want to falsely project it to be a non-elite league. Funny thing is many of the people purporting this don’t even have players in the action any more.

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JoeZ, no resentment, just facts. How can DPL be an elite league when, conservatively speaking, anywhere from 75%-90% of the Elite players are playing either DA or ECNL? It’s just not possible.

Now, will it be better this year with some ECNL teams going DPL, for sure, but then the argument will become did DPL surpass flight 1 and premiere? It still won’t be an elite league. As MAP said, the players make the league elite (or not), not the other way around.

And don’t get me wrong, there are some really really good DPL teams that can compete with mid to lower end DA teams, but a few exceptions does not make the league elite.

JoeZ, no resentment, just facts. How can DPL be an elite league when, conservatively speaking, anywhere from 75%-90% of the Elite players are playing either DA or ECNL? It’s just not possible.

Now, will it be better this year with some ECNL teams going DPL, for sure, but then the argument will become did DPL surpass flight 1 and premiere? It still won’t be an elite league. As MAP said, the players make the league elite (or not), not the other way around.

And don’t get me wrong, there are some really really good DPL teams that can compete with mid to lower end DA teams, but a few exceptions does not make the league elite.

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I agree with a lot of what you are saying and if the percentages were correct I would agree even more.
From experience I know many good players leaving DA and ECNL players moving to DA though they being Juniors and Seniors. I also look at the new list of SW ECNL clubs verses the SW DPL clubs and more than half of each candidly haven’t been impressed with their teams at least at the age levels my dd plays. I’m also aware there is alot of movement of players between ECNL teams and DPL teams.

Who knows what this season will bring. I would have preferred no DA and only ECNL as the top league. Let them play HS if they want without all the chaos these changes have created for them. It will be years before this nonesense settles out. Our players would be better off. IMHO.

I'm new to the Forum and trying to learn from everyone. What's confusing to me after looking at the brackets for Surf Cup, if ECNL, DPL and DPL Pilot are the next best after DA teams, why are they distributed throughout different brackets with some ECNL and DPL teams in the bottom? Also, looking at recent tournament results, there are several "regular" Flight 1 teams beating DPL teams. It's all seeming a bit watered down with a few exceptions. It honestly seems like no matter what team your DD is on, the team has to do fairly well or it doesn't seem to matter. For example, girls on a DA or ECNL team that didn't do well last season likely do not have as many verbal commitments to colleges as girls on DA or ECNL teams that did well. Lastly, how many teams are just taking the new label of Pilot or DPL and just putting in on a team without really having the talent to back up the title? Surf Cup results will be very telling..

I'm new to the Forum and trying to learn from everyone. What's confusing to me after looking at the brackets for Surf Cup, if ECNL, DPL and DPL Pilot are the next best after DA teams, why are they distributed throughout different brackets with some ECNL and DPL teams in the bottom? Also, looking at recent tournament results, there are several "regular" Flight 1 teams beating DPL teams. It's all seeming a bit watered down with a few exceptions. It honestly seems like no matter what team your DD is on, the team has to do fairly well or it doesn't seem to matter. For example, girls on a DA or ECNL team that didn't do well last season likely do not have as many verbal commitments to colleges as girls on DA or ECNL teams that did well. Lastly, how many teams are just taking the new label of Pilot or DPL and just putting in on a team without really having the talent to back up the title? Surf Cup results will be very telling..

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Because leagues don’t make don’t teams good, Coaches and players do. It is really as simple as that. If you cut thru the bias (Kool Aid or Hater Aid) it comes down to the Chemistry of the team cultivated by the Coaching Staff and executed by the players.

I'm new to the Forum and trying to learn from everyone. What's confusing to me after looking at the brackets for Surf Cup, if ECNL, DPL and DPL Pilot are the next best after DA teams, why are they distributed throughout different brackets with some ECNL and DPL teams in the bottom? Also, looking at recent tournament results, there are several "regular" Flight 1 teams beating DPL teams. It's all seeming a bit watered down with a few exceptions. It honestly seems like no matter what team your DD is on, the team has to do fairly well or it doesn't seem to matter. For example, girls on a DA or ECNL team that didn't do well last season likely do not have as many verbal commitments to colleges as girls on DA or ECNL teams that did well. Lastly, how many teams are just taking the new label of Pilot or DPL and just putting in on a team without really having the talent to back up the title? Surf Cup results will be very telling..

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I’d say Surf Cup results won’t be very telling. A game is a game. FC Dallas just beat Legends in the u15 DA final. Are they the best team? Maybe. Maybe not. Surf Cup is the opening tourney of the season for many clubs. And some clubs just finished DA or ECNL seasons in July, whereas other teams have been idling since National Cup. Are teams unprepared, exhausted, still adjusting to new chemistry, or something else? Who knows. This is on all levels, and not just DA or ECNL. These are just games. In the olders ages, it’s now down to college commitments and conversations - which are more difficult for some with the recruiting change.

I’d say Surf Cup results won’t be very telling. A game is a game. FC Dallas just beat Legends in the u15 DA final. Are they the best team? Maybe. Maybe not. Surf Cup is the opening tourney of the season for many clubs. And some clubs just finished DA or ECNL seasons in July, whereas other teams have been idling since National Cup. Are teams unprepared, exhausted, still adjusting to new chemistry, or something else? Who knows. This is on all levels, and not just DA or ECNL. These are just games. In the olders ages, it’s now down to college commitments and conversations - which are more difficult for some with the recruiting change.

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I know that wasn't the point you were making, but, for the record, FC Dallas is unquestionably the best team in my view. #1 RPI by a mile. Played in the strongest conference yet had +50 goal differential and only 2 losses in 30 games prior to the playoffs. They may be the strongest DA team overall relative to the rest of their age group. No shame in Legends losing to them. It was quite a feat for them to even get to that game.

The DA is not the top league. ECNL and DA is debatable. But six of the top teams, including LAFC Slammers just left the DA for full time ECNL. That is quite a statement by those DOC's who played both leagues.

Why does everyone give the DPL so much credit? I am just curious. It is just a b team at the club. Kids who do not make the DA. How is that different than an SCDSL team? Serious question. Are people really falling for a new toy with a new name that acts the same as the previous version? Also, why is the pilot team this grand team to many on here? I know an '03 pilot team roster that is nothing more than an average SCDSL team.

I'm new to the Forum and trying to learn from everyone. What's confusing to me after looking at the brackets for Surf Cup, if ECNL, DPL and DPL Pilot are the next best after DA teams, why are they distributed throughout different brackets with some ECNL and DPL teams in the bottom? Also, looking at recent tournament results, there are several "regular" Flight 1 teams beating DPL teams. It's all seeming a bit watered down with a few exceptions. It honestly seems like no matter what team your DD is on, the team has to do fairly well or it doesn't seem to matter. For example, girls on a DA or ECNL team that didn't do well last season likely do not have as many verbal commitments to colleges as girls on DA or ECNL teams that did well. Lastly, how many teams are just taking the new label of Pilot or DPL and just putting in on a team without really having the talent to back up the title? Surf Cup results will be very telling..

The DA is not the top league. ECNL and DA is debatable. But six of the top teams, including LAFC Slammers just left the DA for full time ECNL. That is quite a statement by those DOC's who played both leagues.

Why does everyone give the DPL so much credit? I am just curious. It is just a b team at the club. Kids who do not make the DA. How is that different than an SCDSL team? Serious question. Are people really falling for a new toy with a new name that acts the same as the previous version? Also, why is the pilot team this grand team to many on here? I know an '03 pilot team roster that is nothing more than an average SCDSL team.

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The statement of we do not want to cut into our profits, do not want to meet upcoming coaching standards, and in a few cases want to be a good Board Member of ECNL is a pretty telling statement.